Farm Safety Week: Keeping Youth Safe on the Farm

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV)—Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous occupations, and with National Farm Safety and Health Week underway, experts are calling attention to daily risks in the industry and ways to protect both farmers and their families.

Melissa Pluckelmen-Brown joined us on behalf of the AgriSafe Network to focus on one important topic: keeping youth safe on the farm.

In her interview with RFD-TV News, Pluckelmen-Brown discussed how parents can identify age-appropriate farm tasks for children, the types of hazards that put youth at risk, and strategies to reduce those dangers. She also shared how farmers who hire youth can learn and comply with their state’s labor laws to ensure safety and legality.

Pluckelmen-Brown emphasized the value of introducing children to agricultural work while keeping safety at the forefront, and she encouraged families to seek out resources from AgriSafe and other farm safety organizations.

For more information, viewers can visit the AgriSafe Network online.

Related Stories
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Reed Marcum started hosting a toy drive in 2015. Since then, he has distributed thousands of toys across his home state of Oklahoma and in Texas and Arkansas. Now serving in the Army, Reed’s family and local 4-H chapter are running the event.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Tax Expert Roger McEowen explains the basics of Low-Risk Credit in Farming, and how an understanding of the farm credit landscape lets producers tactfully approach debt.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.